CPU Design Verification Engineer

Job Title

CPU Design Verification Engineer

Role Summary

Join the ATOM CPU team within Intel's Silicon & Platform Engineering Group to validate CPU logic, performance, and power targets for next-generation, power-efficient processors. You will work with architects, RTL designers, and physical design teams to ensure functional correctness across pre-silicon verification flows.

Experience Level

Entry-level — requires 1+ years of relevant experience in CPU verification or related work (industry experience, internships, or equivalent project/military experience).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include planning, implementing, and executing verification tasks to ensure CPU designs meet functional, performance, and power objectives.

• Develop and execute verification plans that validate CPU logic against architectural and microarchitectural specifications.
• Design scalable, reusable UVM-based testbenches and functional coverage models.
• Perform functional coverage analysis, identify verification gaps, and implement closure strategies.
• Run system-level simulations to validate functionality, power, and timing behaviors.
• Debug pre-silicon failures, perform root-cause analysis, and drive corrective actions.
• Develop automation and verification tools/scripts (Python, Perl, C++, or similar) to improve workflows.
• Collaborate with CPU architects, RTL developers, and physical design teams on feature verification and integration.
• Maintain and improve verification infrastructure, methodologies, and automation flows.
• Document verification strategies and lead technical reviews with cross-functional stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for initial consideration; preferred items are listed as nice-to-have.

• Experience with hardware description/modeling languages: Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog.
• Experience developing UVM-based testbenches and working with functional coverage.
• Programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, Perl, or C++ for automation and tooling.
• Solid understanding of computer architecture and CPU microarchitecture fundamentals.
• Experience in debugging and validation, including test development and root-cause analysis.
• Familiarity with industry-standard simulation tools and verification workflows.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills; ability to work independently and in teams.
• Nice-to-have: x86 / Intel ISA knowledge, pre-silicon and post-silicon verification experience, firmware/microcode validation experience, Synopsys VCS, Git, or demonstrated use of AI/automation to accelerate verification.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field; or a PhD in a related field. Equivalent relevant experience (including internships, project work, or military experience) is acceptable.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.